Tennessee University Receives Apple Honor

The school's program, dubbed the iKnow Initiative, started in the fall 2008 semester when incoming freshmen received a MacBook and their choice of either an iPhone or iPod Touch. The next-generation iKnow program (2.0) will be implemented this fall. The university will provide all faculty and incoming freshmen with iPads, which will be integrated into the curriculum. Students will use the devices to access learning materials such as podcasts and interactive digital textbooks. Students who already own iPads can bring those if they wish.

In addition, students are now being required to bring or buy a MacBook before beginning classes at the university; the school is no longer providing laptops. Students will receive Microsoft Office for free. However, if a student leaves the university before graduating, the university will remove it from the computer.

The designation of Apple Distinguished Program is given to educational institutions that are “recognized centers of educational excellence and leadership.”

“We are extremely pleased to receive this honor from Apple. Since 2008, Freed-Hardeman has pioneered the use of mobile technologies to accommodate anywhere, anytime learning. The selection of FHU as an Apple Distinguished Program highlights its successes in enhancing and extending teaching and learning with thoughtful and innovative implementations of technology,” said Mark Scott, vice president for technology and innovation.

In preparation for iKnow 2.0, the university has increased the scalability of its wireless network to support thousands of mobile devices, and has created a Center for Instructional Technology to provide assistance to faculty. In addition, it has partnered with Inkling to provide digital textbooks for the iPad.

Tim Sohn is a 10-year veteran of the news business, having served in capacities from reporter to editor-in-chief of a variety of publications including Web sites, daily and weekly newspapers, consumer and trade magazines, and wire services. He can be reached at timothyjsohn@gmail.com and followed on Twitter @editortim.